Reference numberE000230DescriptionThe building is known as the former Commonwealth Bank of Australia, though rate books do not show the bank owning or using a portion of the building as banking premises until 1925-26. There has been some variance in the information regarding No. 66 High Street. The National Trust lists the original owner as the estate of E. H. Fothergill and the date of construction, 1906. Mr F. W. Burwell is listed as the architect and J. McCracken the builder. However, research carried out at the Fremantle and Battye libraries indicates that the property was owned by Frederick Mason from 1882-1921. Mason alias May (c1829-1921) was a Fremantle jeweller and entrepreneur owning considerable property in the Fremantle and North Fremantle areas. Between 1906-08 considerable building activity occurred along High Street. On 22 February 1908, mention is made in the WA Mining Building and Engineering Journal (WAMBEJ) that plans for the erection of two-storey shops and residential premises on the corner of High and Pakenham streets, had been completed by Mr J. McNeece and tenders were to be invited shortly. By May 1908 the tender had been accepted by Mr J. P. Anderson for the erection of four shops for Mr F. Mason at a price of ?·5, 546. Preliminary works had started by 30 May and on 15 August the WAMBEJ reported that Mr Anderson was pushing ahead and the brickwork was well forward. By October 1908, the work was practically completed. Constructed of brick with cement dressings, the premises consisted of four two-storey shops with residential premises above. Late in November 1908, Mr McNeece handed over the building to the owner, Mr Mason.Date1985PhotographerWatkins, SkipPhotograph FormatPhotographDigital ItemYes
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Westpac Bank (fmr), 66-70 High Street (1985). City of Fremantle Local History Centre, accessed 10/02/2026, https://history.fremantle.wa.gov.au/nodes/view/8673
